I’m sure I’m not the only one ready for something not homemade after the long freeze that impacted much of North Alabama. Don’t get me wrong, I love my partner’s cooking, but after a week of clearing out the freezer and cabinets, I was in the mood for something fresher.
This time, we tried out Little Rosie’s, right on the corner of Whitesburg and Airport. This little taqueria prides itself on the freshness of its ingredients—the team here prepares all their ingredients from scratch daily, which means fresh salsa, guacamoles, tortillas, and more made fresh, and spoiler alert—you can taste the difference.
The Spice Factor
As we were preparing for our journey out into the freezing cold for some fresh food, we did have a few questions about the heat level. As for myself, I love a little kick from a fresh pepper, but I know plenty of loved ones who simply can’t take the heat.
The good news is that Little Rosie’s has plenty of options for the spice-averse. Their salsa especially prioritizes fresh, flavorful ingredients without cranking up the heat, for those who need a little intense experience. If you miss that little kick, though, don’t worry—hot sauce and peppers can be added to your meal, bringing your plate to a whole new level of flavor.
Little Rosie’s Atmosphere
Little Rosie’s Taqueria has that cozy hole-in-the-wall feel, with its brick exterior and large windows that bring a warm glow inside. The decor is much like its sister restaurant, Rosie’s, with brightly-colored flags strung from the ceiling and decor that gives it a vintage Tex-Mex vibe. As you enter, you’ll find yourself at the counter, where you place your order at the counter. My favorite part of the decor is, of course, the large ceramic frog perched serenely below the TV.
We grabbed a few different plates to try, and each came with a bowl of fresh chips to accompany them. We arrived during the dinner rush, so seating was a little tricky—a great sign, in my book, that they have quality meals!
We were also impressed by the prices. When looking for high-quality ingredients or great prices, we usually expect to sacrifice one for the other, but Little Rosie’s doesn’t skimp in either department. So, what did we eat?
Little Rosie’s Menu
Here is Little Rosie’s menu. Keep reading to learn more about some of their yummy options!
Little Rosie’s Dishes
Tacos Plate
I’m a big fan of tacos—chicken or beef, corn or flour, soft or crunchy, there’s no wrong choice! So, I kept it simple with the taco plate, served with beans and rice.
Little Rosie’s doesn’t skimp on the quality anywhere here. The crunchy shells were crisp and still just a little warm, freshly assembled with crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and quality ground beef. I poured a little of their red salsa on top of mine to add a little more of that fresh tomato taste, which added a little extra moisture without letting the shell crumble.
As much as I enjoyed my tacos, though, the rice and beans definitely stole the show. Their refried beans have a wonderful meaty flavor to them, adding that much more protein to the dish. Little Rosie’s has some meat-free dishes, and for those looking for a little more protein, this side can add a lot to your plate.
Fajitas
My partner ordered the fajitas, which included a portion of meat, grilled peppers and onions, fresh tortillas, and some fresh vegetables. This was one of the freshest and more decadent plates we received. If you’re looking for a filling meal with a substantial plate, they have you covered.
While the best fajita dish, in my humble opinion, is a mix of everything piled onto one over-stuffed tortilla, we sampled the chicken separately, along with the buttery sauce served with it. The chicken, grilled and packed with flavor, was a standout part of the dish.
Of course, no fajita dish is complete without the vegetables. Red and green peppers mixed with onions finish out this dish with just enough seasoning to bring out those fresh, natural flavor. This veggie combination was also grilled just right, soft enough to cut with a fork and fill your tortilla to bursting with flavor.
Little Rosie’s Salsa and Sides
While not a separate meal, Little Rosie’s salsas deserve a moment in the spotlight just as much as their meals. We sampled their traditional red salsa and their salsa verde, and I admit, I did swipe my partner’s guacamole.
The traditional red salsa was exactly what I look for in a good salsa: thick, chunky, scoopable, and full of flavor. No one component stands out, though hints of onion and cilantro ring through. This is a perfect medley, one that had me clearing out my personal basket of chips.
The salsa verde is, in a word, tangy. I could find a few more words to describe it, but this lovely green dip is not quite as thick but every bit as tasty as the other. While it’s perfect for chips, I recommend drizzling this over your entree, specifically chicken dishes, to add a punchy, bright flavor.
And for the guacamole lovers out there? Don’t skip out on this one. It’s creamy, fresh, and absolutely addictive. The salty chips bring out the richness of the avocado and will have you returning again and again for just one scoop (my “just one scoop” turned into “the whole guac cup,” though luckily, I was the only guacamole fan at the table).
Looking for Fresh, Budget-Friendly Tex-Mex Cuisine? Try Little Rosie’s
In the middle of winter, it can be difficult to find fresh, flavorful vegetables. In most cases, in fact, I save my tomato-eating for the days when we can all shed our coats and don our sunglasses. But Little Rosie’s has exactly what I was looking for—produce that tastes fresh-picked and prepared the day of. Best of all, this Tex-Mex restaurant has plenty of budget-friendly options without leaving you hungry for more (though a return trip may be in order).
If you’re looking for the perfect quick stop on your lunch break, and you want something that will leave you satisfied and feeling a little bit healthier, check out Little Rosie’s. Enjoy the vintage, lived-in atmosphere and, more importantly, the fresh, tasty meal options.
